FORCE-RESPONSIVE POLYMERSOMES AND NANOREACTORS; PROCESSES UTILIZING THE SAME

摘要

The mechanically induced melting properties of DNA were employed to achieve force labile membranes is described. Nucleobase pairs were used as mechanophores. Adenine and thymine functionalized complementary amphiphilic block copolymers were self-assembled into polymersomes. The nucleobases formed hydrogen bonds which were disrupted upon force stimulation. The exposure of the disconnected nucleobases to the hydrophobic matrix of the membranes lead to a change of permeability which permitted the exchange of water-soluble molecules throughout the polymer matrix. Moreover, the encapsulation of horseradish peroxidase enabled the reaction of luminol with hydrogen peroxide to yield a luminescence producing species similar to the marine bioluminescence. Moreover, the same nano-reactors were employed to catalyze the formation of a polyacrylamide gel when force was applied. Insights into the change of permeability of supramolecular networks upon force are provided. These systems are useful for drug delivery, as nanoreactors and for the selective release of curing agents for 3D printing, or fragrances.